Service and Social Justice at Simmons
Social justice is a core value of Simmons University, and our community has a long history of engagement in service, activism, and advocacy. Service, volunteering, and philanthropy help our community learn about social injustices and the ongoing efforts to make real, lasting social change. Below are some other ways the London Center does this work. Reach out to learn more or share your ideas.
- Leadership in Social Justice: The Housing Crisis – Our Leadership in Social Justice theme on Housing Insecurity examines the housing crisis’ relationship with the Simmons community and provides information and programming to help members become more socially informed leaders. We hosted a housing panel moderated by Social Work Professor Gary Bailey and created a Community Guide to raise awareness and share resources with the Simmons community.
- Drives – Each year, the London Center hosts a warm clothing drive for one of our Jumpstart preschool partners. We also serve as a clearinghouse for all student drives on campus. Want to host a drive? Fill out our Campus Drive Request Form.
- Volunteer Opportunities – We regularly update our volunteer opportunities and encourage organizations to post on Handshake. Not finding something that interests you or having trouble connecting with an organization? Set up a consultation with our office.
- Muddy River Clean Up – Each fall and spring, we partner with the Muddy Water Initiative to clean up the river across the street from our main campus. The clean-up lets us contribute to our community while learning about conservation efforts.
- Social Justice Art Gallery – In 2022, the London Center launched our Social Justice Art Gallery in the 3rd-floor lobby of Helen G. Drinan Hall. The gallery showcases art at the crossroads of service and advocacy efforts with our community partners. Shows generally involve partner organizations and ways to get involved with social justice issues. Past shows included our community partner Mass NOW's Period Pop Up Art Show, which was created to spread awareness about issues of menstrual equity, and the art of Opening Minds Through Art, an intergenerational, abstract art-making program for older adults and those living with dementia.
- International Women's Day and other events – Simmons is proud to partner each March with the Boston-Area International Women's Day Committee to host an International Women's Day Breakfast. We also have other events aimed at educating and building community around social justice issues.
“Since this event was launched almost three decades ago, it is an unmissable, powerful tradition on the annual calendar in Boston. A beacon for pioneering women leaders across Boston to gather, to reflect, to connect, and to strengthen one another.” – Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, on the International Women’s Day Breakfast